College Square sits at 2421 College Avenue in Conway, Arkansas, right on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas, and you'll notice that's pretty rare because it's the only retirement community actually on a state college campus in the country, so you get an interesting mix of activity and opportunity. The place covers a lot of ground with care options like independent living, assisted living, memory care for Alzheimer's or other dementia, and even nursing home care, so folks can move in as new retirees and have help on hand if they start needing more support, and the team, led by Ms. Jami Richardson, has a good reputation for being kind and helpful. Meals are a standout with three a day-including a Sunday Brunch-cooked from scratch, mostly southern recipes, but all focusing on nutrition and flavor, and the kitchen staff makes adjustments for special dietary needs, too, so picky eaters find something, and residents can eat in the dining room that's designed for comfort.
Residents have one-, two-bedroom, and studio apartments to choose from, all with stylish touches, and the monthly rent covers all utilities except phone and internet, with basic cable included, and options for upgraded packages. Housekeeping and laundry services run regularly, and there's dry cleaning as well, so people keep their space neat without much trouble, and since staff is on-site 24 hours, folks find help if something comes up in the night. There's an emergency alert system, which gives some peace of mind, and the community is arranged to help prevent confusion and wandering, especially for people with memory care needs.
You'll find lots of ways to stay busy, with a packed calendar of activities, community movie nights, social events, group fitness, exercise facilities, and even a rooftop putting green, plus there's a library, computer center, beauty and barber shop, a study center, and a multimedia room, so there's usually something going on. Outside, you get both enclosed and open common areas for fresh air, and scheduled transportation and planned outings let people stay active in the wider community, as museum trips and shopping runs are pretty regular. Visitors can come by at flexible hours, which helps families stay connected, and the place runs regular tours for newcomers.
The College Square Retirement Community prides itself on doing things with a bit of quality: awards like "Best of Arkansas 2013" and Arkansas Times finalist in 2015 hang on the wall, and the staff puts effort into friendliness and being helpful, so the environment feels welcoming without being overwhelming. Membership in the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce goes back to 2003, and since the retirement community is owned and operated by the University of Central Arkansas, residents sometimes get to sit in on classes, catch sporting events, and attend shows at the Reynolds Performance Hall. Housing covers all the levels of support-independent seniors, those needing medication help, and people needing daily care-and the facility works hard to balance privacy with support, making room for those who want either busy schedules or quiet afternoons. The sense of belonging stays strong, whether someone's enjoying the Sunday Brunch, reading in the library, or joining in social activities designed to keep people engaged, moving, and sharp.
